william-harland 的最愛

Underwater recording of Weddell Seals by the McMurdo Oceanographic Observatory (www.moo-antarctica.net). Of potentially soniferous marine mammals, only Weddell seals occur in the area at this time of year. Verified also by regular visual/video observation. Hydrophone at 21m deep. (Attached photo is example of Weddell seal near the observatory site, but was not taken at the same time as the audio recording).

Honestly this dude just came to terrorise us while we were eating lunch.

A couple of petrels wandered (stumbled maybe a more appropriate description), out of the bush, at least one seemingly very attracted to the UE Boom playing music (Move on up by Curtis Mayfield, if anyone would like to repeat this test for science).
The petrel proceeded to sit right next to the speaker and snap at anyone who tried to come anyone near him. See last photos for the deadly attack launched upon a team mate innocently enjoying lunch

This bird was first photographed and reported via the NZ Bird Identification Facebook group. Upon seeing this we made a visit to Waikanae Estuary and scanned the flock of White-fronted Terns several times before the bird flew in and landed amongst them around 11:45am. It then roosted for 45 minutes before leaving to feed in the channel with the majority of the tern flock.
Basic plumage marsh tern with extensive black headphone markings on head, darker grey upperparts than the similar White-winged black tern, along with a longer bill, darker legs, a grey rump, and grey shoulder tabs which are diagnostic for Black tern. This is likely the Eurasian subspecies Chlidonias niger niger owing to the pale underwings and relatively small shoulder tab markings. Would be the 1st record of this species for New Zealand if accepted.

First time to find velvet worm in my life.
The first photo is a homage to my friend @invertebratist.
Native beech forest in South Canterbury. Under a rotten log beside to walking track.
Probably this is 'Dunedin' peripatus.
15 pairs legs and brown based colors.
This is one of big happen in my life. I am very glad to found this crazy cool creature.

First found on Saint Clair beach on 15th January and uplifted to the Dunedin Wildlife Hospital for quarantine and health checks. Released privately on 1st February, remained for 24 hours and observed on a tour with the OPERA.